10 ideal places for mycotourism in Galicia

An ideal land for mycological routes is Galicia Well, it brings together all the ingredients to make the experience brutal: lots of water, humidity and the right temperatures. In addition to all this, it hides colorful forests, ancient trees, chestnut trees and paths that invite you to walk in the middle of autumn.

Remember that at the time of collect mushrooms It is very important to know the different varieties of species and if you have any doubts, it is best not to pick them up. There are many poisonous mushrooms, so when in doubt, don't take any chances.

Other very important tips to promote the growth of future mushrooms are: you should never pluck them (cut them with a knife or razor); Always be careful to clean them in the same place to spread the spores; Carry a basket so the spores fall to the ground as you walk.

If you search mushrooms in Galicia, I recommend ten places that hide true treasures of Galician mycology.

#1 Sierra De O Courel

The Sierra de O Courel It is a mountain range located in the province of Lugo. It is well known for being one of the areas with the most species of mushrooms and fungi in Lugo. Its greatest natural jewel is the Devesa de Rogueira, a native forest where a wide variety of plant species coexist such as chestnut trees, holly trees, oaks, cork oaks, beeches, yews and holm oaks.

Throughout its 20,000 hectares of extension you will find species of mushrooms such as lepiotas (Lepiota brunneoincarnata), chanterelles (Lactarius deliciosus) and tickets (Boletus edulis). I recommend visiting the forests of Folgoso and Seoane do Courel, you will surely be able to fill your basket with the most precious mushrooms.

#2 Rías Baixas 

Another area that you cannot miss to look for mushrooms are the mountains of the province of Pontevedra. In Rias Baixas A great diversity of mushrooms and mushrooms grow that you can find in many of its forests. I recommend you enter its pine forests, such as those of O Grove, Sanxenxo and Illa de Arousa. Or if you prefer, you can also go to the forests of Lake Castiñeiras and Mount Castrove.

On your mycological getaway you can enjoy the wonderful flora and fauna that this spectacular natural setting offers. Among the edible mushrooms you find in Rías Baixas: chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius), lamp slayer (Coprinus comatus), chanterelles (Craterellus tubaeformis), or cat tongues (Hydnum repandum).

#3 A Pobra de Trives

In the surroundings of Pena Folenche, in Ourense, you can find many mushrooms in its wonderful meadows. Also in the Fraga da Pena and in the spectacular oak groves and chestnut forests found in the area. Among the most notable species: snowballs (Agaricus arvensis), wild mushrooms (Agaricus campestris), parasols (Macrolepiota procera) and senderuelas (Marasmius oreades).

To explore this beautiful natural space, I recommend you take the Sequeiros Route, a circular path between chestnut trees that is very autumnal. In addition, you can enjoy nature in its purest state, up to the viewpoint near Pena Folenche. From there you will witness the best views of A Pobra de Trives.

#4 O Xistral Saw

To the north of the province of Lugo is the Sierra de O Xistral, hilly mountains of not much altitude. In the beautiful mountains, mycology fans will find a great variety of mushrooms, from the famous tickets (Boletus edulis), much loved by lovers of gastronomy, even parasols (Macrolepiotas procera), the russulas (Russula vesca) or the chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius).

The truth is that its climatic conditions are perfect for taking a mycological route in Lugo, with abundant rain. In addition, it is an area that receives little sun and frequent fog in the high plains of the mountains, so humidity is abundant.

#5 Or Start

If you are looking for an area full of oak, walnut and chestnut forests to find the best mushrooms, the ideal place for this is the O Incio region. It is a mountainous municipality in the province of Lugo with small, deep valleys that give it a unique landscape beauty, from the Sierra de O Courel until depression Monforte de Lemos.

Here you will find many nature activities in Lugo and a rich diversity of mushrooms such as: sing them (Cantharellus friesii), reticulated tickets (Boletus reticulatus), cure mushrooms (Russula virescens), rooster combs (Ramaria aurea), or you would nail (Ramaria formosa), among others.

#6 Ribeira Sacra

Ribeira Sacra is a very special place for mushroom picking and one of the most fascinating natural environments in Galicia. Its beautiful landscapes are made up of charming birch forests, which makes it an ideal place for nature lovers and for collecting these forest fruits.

The autumn season is the best time to explore the magical mountains of Ribeira Sacra in the search for mushrooms. I recommend that before heading to the forest, you choose your clothing and footwear carefully, as well as not forgetting your wicker basket and pocketknife. Among the varieties that you can find, the following stand out: pine mushrooms (Boletus pinicola), edible russulas (Russula vesca) or chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius)

#7 Sierra del Suído

The Sierra del Suido (Pontevedra) is another beautiful Galician place perfect for mushroom collecting. It is a low mountain range (almost 1000 meters high) where the storms that enter from the Atlantic Ocean are very abundant, which makes it one of the rainiest areas in Spain.

The deciduous forests of the Sierra allow you to find a wide variety of mushrooms and mushrooms. Its forests of oak, birch and pine forests are truly wonderful. Among the most notable are: reticulated tickets (Boletus reticulatus), chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius), reddish amanitas (Amanita rubescens) or cat tongues (Hydnum repandum).

#8 Fraga de Catasós

A true mycological paradise is Fraga de Catasós. This ancient forest is dominated by majestic oak trees and exceptional chestnut trees. Of course, the properties of the soil and climatic conditions favor the growth of fungi and mushrooms.

I recommend you get to know the corners of this natural wonder and spend a day surrounded by fresh air. You can get lost and go in search of exquisite mushrooms like reticulated tickets (Boletus reticulatus), pumpkin tickets (Boletus eduli), charcoal pits (Russula cyanoxantha) or reddish amanitas (Amanita rubescens).

#9 Sierra de Os Ancares

The Sierra de Os Ancares, located between Lugo and León, is characterized by its incredible forest wealth and its favorable climate for the growth of mushrooms. There is a reason why it has been a Biosphere Reserve since 2006. Its valleys are full of chestnut and hazelnut trees.

Therefore, it is a paradise for mycology lovers and one of the most privileged areas for collecting it in Galicia. Near Degrada you will find an immense forest mass where conifers predominate. Among the most sought after mushrooms are tickets (Boletus edulis) or the fuscouber tickets (Boletus fuscoruber).

#10 Capelada Saw 

An area of great interest for nature and mycology lovers is undoubtedly the Sierra de Capelada in To Coruña. A natural and coastal paradise that invites you to explore it on foot. It is home to some of the highest cliffs in continental Europe above the sea, along with lush vegetation that offers spectacular scenery.

Wonderful pine plantations predominate in this mountain range. Among the best-known mushrooms in the area, the following stand out: chanterelles either rovellones (Lactarius deliciosus) and the tickets (boletus edulis).